sustainable destinations; qualities of a leader
TRANSCRIPT
Sustainable DestinationsQualities of a leader
Guy BigwoodMCI Group Director of Sustainability
Past-President of the Green Meetings Industry Council
When the wind blows there are those that build walls and then there are those that build windmills
Leading cities now understand that their
competitiveness is directly linked to their
capacity to bring social, economic and
environmental wellbeing
Job creationPoverty reductionSocial inclusionEnvironmental sustainabilityEconomic growth
Today leading cities have a
strong vision for strong,
inclusive and sustainable
growth
The events industry is a powerful accelerator of sustainable development and competitiveness
So what does it take to climb the steps to
become a leader in Destination Sustainability?
To find out, since 2012 MCI has been conducting research, interviews and consulting projects with 35 cities, including
2013 Scandinavian
Destination
Sustainability IndexA project involving 23 cities who have collaborated to share knowledge and benchmark performance since 2010
There are 9 key characteristic of sustainable
destination leaders
1. Leaders create networksand inspire collaboration
Things have changed. When I went to school collaboration, was called cheating!
2. Leaders create
both short and
long term strategy
Leaders use networks to develop a holistic vision and multi-year sustainability master plan
Aligned to national and city development agenda
Governed by an engaged private-public partnership
3. Leaders develop
policy and incentives
Leaders develop incentives that inspire investment, development, and management of a globally competitive sustainable MICE industry
Create regulatory framework that protect the public interest and ensures environmental and social stewardship
4. Leaders
build capacity
Leaders implement programmes to engage the industry and improve the skills, quality and competitiveness of their MICE professionals
Energy management team provide consulting and advice on incentives
VANCOUVER
5. Leaders drive certification and standards
Example: Gothenburg
100% Venues
92% Hotels
50% Taxis
30% Restaurants
Airport
6. Leaders communicate
authentically
Leaders engage with national and international audiences to build community, create conversations and share stories on key issues that inspire change and as a result build brand.
Humour is key
7. Leaders develop
their community
Leaders create programmes that promote social innovation, and support local small-to-medium sized businesses and the local community.
They leave a legacy.
8. Leaders use
sustainability to drive
economic growthLeaders engage with their
community to create AND attract
events about sustainability.
They use sustainability to drive
economic, social and environmental
development.
9. Leaders monitor and
report transparently
Leaders communicate their vision,
strategy, and progress transparently
and creatively.
They use International frameworks
such as GRI to add integrity and
rigour to the reporting challenge.
Their reports will be verified
Leadership is focused on 9 key areasBut there is no one yet who excels
Sustainable Destination Leadership
Networks
Strategy
Standards & Certification
Policy & Incentives
Business Development
Community Development
MarCom
Monitoring & Reporting
Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others
John Maxwell
What is your destinations dream for a strong, inclusive and sustainable events industry?
In 2015 we are launching the Global
Destination Sustainability Index
Join us, benchmark and share
